The course of acute pancreatitis in children and potential simple laboratory markers of severity - A single Centre retrospective study

Aim To evaluate the usefulness of routinely measured biochemical and complete blood count parameters as potential markers of the severity of paediatric acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods The retrospective study included children with AP hospitalised over a 3 years period. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Results In total, 55 patients were enrolled in the study. Mild AP was diagnosed in 45 children (82%), moderately severe in 7 (13%), and severe in 3 patients (5%). Together 10 children (18%) were categorised into a single severe group. Children with severe AP had higher white blood cell and platelet counts on admission as well as a C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration after 48 h. The CRP concentration after 48 h (cut-off: 127.2 mg/L) and the white blood cell count on admission (cut-off: 13.5x10(3)/mu l) were found to be statistically significant markers in predicting the severity of the disease. The CRP concentration after 48 h was demonstrated as an independent predictor. Conclusion Severe AP is observed in a quite significant percentage of children. The white blood cell count on admission and the CRP concentration after 48 h (as an independent predictor) may be potential simple laboratory markers of the severity of the disease.